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Iron homeostasis is vital for normal physiology, but in the majority of circumstances, like iron overload, this equilibrium is upset leading to free iron in the plasma. This condition with excess iron is known as hemochromatosis, which has been linked to many side effects, including cancer and liver cirrhosis. The current research aimed to investigate active molecules from Streptomyces sp. isolated from the extreme environment of Bahawalpur deserts. The strain was characterized using 16 S rRNA sequencing. Chemical analysis of the ethyl acetate cure extract revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. Multiple ultraviolet (UV) active metabolites that were essential for the stated pharmacological activities were also demonstrated by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the primary constituents of the extract to compose of phenol and ester compounds. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used to assess the extract's antioxidant capacity, and the results showed a good half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) value of 0.034 µg/mL in comparison to the positive control ascorbic acid's 0.12 µg/mL. In addition, iron chelation activity of extract showed significant chelation potential at 250 and 125 µg/mL, while 62.5 µg/mL showed only mild chelation of the ferrous ion using ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) as a positive control. Likewise, the extract's cytotoxicity was analyzed through 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay using varying concentrations of the extract and showed 51% cytotoxicity at 350 µg/mL and 65% inhibition of cell growth at 700 µg/mL, respectively. The bioactive compounds from Streptomyces sp. demonstrated strong antioxidant and iron chelating potentials and can prolong the cell survival in extreme environment., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

In this work, we sought to validate the use of Euphorbia calyptrata (L.), a Saharan and Mediterranean medicinal plant, in traditional pharmacopeia. GC-MS/MS identified volatile compounds of potential therapeutic interest. Antioxidant tests were performed using β-carotene decolorization, DPPH radical scavenging, FRAP, beta-carotene bleaching, and TAC. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated on solid and liquid media for bacterial and fungal strains to determine the zone of inhibition and the minimum growth concentration (MIC) of the microbes tested. The hemolytic activity of these essential oils was assessed on red blood cells isolated from rat blood. Phytochemical characterization of the terpenic compounds by GC-MS/MS revealed 31 compounds, with alpha-Pinene dominating (35.96 %). The antioxidant power of the essential oils tested revealed an IC 50 of 67.28 μg/mL (DPPH), EC 50 of 80.25.08±1.42 μg/mL (FRAP), 94.83±2.11 μg/mL (beta carotene) and 985.07±0.70 μg/mL (TAC). Evaluating solid media's antibacterial and antifungal properties revealed a zone of inhibition between 10.28 mm and 25.80 mm and 31.48 and 34.21 mm, respectively. On liquid media, the MIC ranged from 10.27 μg/mL to 24.91 μg/mL for bacterial strains and from 9.32 μg/mL to 19.08 μg/mL for fungal strains. In molecular docking analysis, the compounds naphthalene, shogunal, and manol oxide showed the greatest activity against NADPH oxidase, with Glide G scores of -5.294, -5.218 and -5.161 kcal/mol, respectively. For antibacterial activity against E. coli beta-ketoacyl-[acyl carrier protein] synthase, the most potent molecules were cis-Calamenene, alpha.-Muurolene and Terpineol, with Glide G-scores of -6.804, -6.424 and -6.313 kcal/mol, respectively. Hemolytic activity revealed a final inhibition of 9.42±0.33 % for a 100 μg/mL concentration. The essential oils tested have good antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hemolytic properties thanks to their rich phytochemical composition, and molecular docking analysis confirmed their biological potency., (© 2024 The Authors. ChemistryOpen published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

This work examines the capacity of Naringin and Rutin to influence the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway by investigating their interactions with key DDR proteins, including PARP-1, ATM, ATR, CHK1, and WEE1. Through a combination of in silico molecular docking and in vitro evaluations, we investigated the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of these compounds on MDA-MB-231 cells, comparing them to normal human fibroblast cells (2DD) and quiescent fibroblast cells (QFC). The research found that Naringin and Rutin had strong affinities for DDR pathway proteins, indicating their capacity to specifically regulate DDR pathways in cancer cells. Both compounds exhibited preferential cytotoxicity towards cancer cells while preserving the vitality of normal 2DD fibroblast cells, as demonstrated by cytotoxicity experiments conducted at a dose of 10 µM. The comet experiments performed particularly on QFC cells provide valuable information on the genotoxic impact of Naringin and Rutin, highlighting the targeted initiation of DNA damage in cancer cells. The need to use precise cell models to appropriately evaluate toxicity and genotoxicity is emphasized by this discrepancy. In addition, ADMET and drug-likeness investigations have emphasized the pharmacological potential of these compounds; however, they have also pointed out the necessity for optimization to improve their therapeutic profiles. The antioxidant capabilities of Naringin and Rutin were assessed using DPPH and free radical scavenging assays at a concentration of 10 µM. The results confirmed that both compounds have a role in reducing oxidative stress, hence enhancing their anticancer effects. Overall, Naringin and Rutin show potential as medicines for modulating the DDR in cancer treatment. They exhibit selective toxicity towards cancer cells while sparing normal cells and possess strong antioxidant properties. This analysis enhances our understanding of the therapeutic uses of natural chemicals in cancer treatment, supporting the need for more research on their mechanisms of action and clinical effectiveness., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Physicochemical and phytochemical assessment of leaf mustard (Brassica juncea L.) grown in different agroclimatic conditions is essential to highlight their compositional variability and evaluate the most suitable bunch of agroclimatic and agronomic practices. B. juncea is one of the important leafy vegetables that serve as source of vitamin A and C and iron, and plenty of antioxidants. This in situ research was executed to assess the quality variability of B. juncea grown in different agroecosystems. Leaves' samples of B. juncea were procured from 15 farmers' fields exhibiting different agroclimatic conditions i.e., elevation, nutrient management, temperature, irrigation, and tillage practices. Leaves' samples were subjected to physicochemical and phytochemical analysis, i.e., moisture, pH, TSS, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant potential. In the leaves' samples of B. juncea, the target properties were found to vary significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in different agroclimatic conditions. The moisture content, ascorbic acid, phenolic content, carotenoids, and antioxidants were found in the range of 62.7-79.3%, 74-91 mg/100 g, 49.2-49.2 mg GAE/100 g, 436.3-480 mg β carotene/100 g, 32.7-46.67%, respectively. This study elaborates the significant variation of physicochemical and phytochemical attributes of B. juncea due to the prevailing agroclimatic conditions. This necessitates the appropriate choice of B. juncea concerning its composition and ecological conditions of its cultivation in the prospective health benefits., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Oleogelation is an efficient and emerging approach for obtaining biocompatible and biodegradable elastic semisolid crystals to be used in various cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. Recently, drug incorporation in oil structuring has been a promising strategy under consideration due to the effectiveness of this method. Plant oils have very beneficial characteristics for skin care and wound healing due to the presence of certain antioxidants., Methods: In this study, the oleogels of Moringa oleifera seed oil with natural polysaccharides, including pectin, chitosan, and xanthan gum, were prepared using the emulsion template method. Moringa oil was selected because it can hydrate and moisturize the skin and has great antioxidant activity. Also, the natural polysaccharides, i.e., pectin and chitosan, exhibited good gelling properties. Allantoin, which is a wound healer and eucalyptus leaf oil with antioxidant potential, was incorporated into the emulsion-based-oleogels to enhance the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the oleogels., Results: Allantoin and eucalyptus-loaded oleogels exhibited good antibacterial activity against E. coli . The FTIR spectra of moringa-based oleogels in the range between 3226-3422 cm -1 indicate the presence of hydrogen bonding in oleogels., Conclusion: The antioxidant potential of allantoin and eucalyptus-containing oleogel was maximized, and an IC 50 value of 0.9719 μM was found. Maximum release of allantoin from oleogel was observed in the first hour., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

This study aims to investigate the chemical and mineral composition, antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of Cistus laurifolius var. atlanticus Pit. (Cistaceae). Additionally, molecular docking interactions of various ligands with antioxidant protein target urate oxidase (1R4U) and anti-inflammatory protein target cyclooxygenase-2 (3LN1), revealing potential dual activities and highlighting specific residue interactions. The chemical characterization focused at first glance on the mineral composition which showed that C. laurifolius extract is a mineral-rich source of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn). We next performed, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis, the latter showed various polyphenols in C. laurifolius extract including Gallic acid as the predominant polyphenol. Isoquercetin, Taxifolin and Astragalin were also among the major flavonoids detected. The antioxidant capacity of C. laurifolius leaves was tested using 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power (RP) assays. In vitro analysis of the anti-inflammatory property of C. laurifolius leaves was conducted by the albumin denaturation test and the in vivo was assessed in the sequel by carrageenan-induced paw edema test. The analgesic activity was evaluated in vivo using tail flick, acetic acid-induced contortion, and plantar tests. The findings showed that the leave extract had a powerful antioxidant activity with an IC 50 values of 2.92 ± 0.03 µg/mL (DPPH) and 2.59 ± 0.09 µg/mL (in RP test). The studied extract strongly abolished the induced inflammation (82%). Albumin denaturation test recorded an IC 50 value of 210 µg/mL. Importantly, the oral administration of C. laurifolius extract considerably reduced the nociceptive effect of acetic acid in rats, showing a significant analgesic effect in a dose-related manner. Altogether, our results showed that C. laurifolius can be a promising source of phytochemicals for drug development potential., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

This study investigated the chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of essential oil extracted from Artemisia aragonensis Lam. (EOA). Hydrodistillation was employed to extract EOA. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses (GC-MS) were used to determine the phytochemical composition of EOA. Antioxidant potential was examined in vitro by use of three tests: 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), ferric reducing activity power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity assay (TAC). Agar diffusion and microdilution bioassays were used to assess antimicrobial activity. GC/MS and GC-FID detected 34 constituents in the studied EOA. The major component was Camphor (24.97%) followed by Borneol (13.20%), 1,8 Cineol (10.88%), and Artemisia alcohol (10.20%). EOA exhibited significant antioxidant activity as measured by DPPH and FRAP assays, with IC 50 and EC 50 values of 0.034 ± 0.004 and 0.118 ± 0.008 mg/mL, respectively. EOA exhibited total antioxidant capacity of 7.299 ± 1.774 mg EAA/g. EOA exhibited potent antibacterial activity as judged by the low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against selected clinically-important pathogenic bacteria. MIC values of 6.568 ± 1.033, 5.971 ± 1.033, 7.164 ± 0.0 and 5.375 ± 0.0 μg/mL were observed against S. aureus , B. subtills , E. coli 97 and E. coli 57, respectively. EOA displayed significant antifungal activity against four strains of fungi: F. oxysporum , C. albicans , A. flavus and A. niger with values of 21.50 ± 0.43, 5.31 ± 0.10, 21.50 ± 0.46 and 5.30 ± 0.036 μg/mL, respectively. The results of the current study highlight the importance of EOA as an alternative source of natural antioxidant and antibacterial drugs to combat antibiotic-resistant microbes and free radicals implicated in the inflammatory responses accompanying microbial infection.

Background: Prickly pear ( Opuntia spp.), called Barbary fig, is a cultivated species springing from family Cactaceae . It is native to Mexico and has been naturalized in other continents, especially the Mediterranean countries (North Africa). The aim of the study was to investigate the physical, physicochemical, and biochemical criteria of peels of three Moroccan prickly pear varieties (Aakria, Derbana, and Mles) growing in the Rhamna regions (dry area)., Material and Methods: Both physicochemical characteristics (humidity, water activity, Brix, ash content, pH, and total titratable acidity) and biochemical characteristics (total carotenoid content, betalain content, total polyphenolic content, and ascorbic acid content) were were studied according to previously reported methods., Results: Regarding the physiochemical criteria, the moisture of the fresh peels of studied varieties ranged from 81.59 ± 0.02 to 83.47 ± 0.02%. The water activity (aw) ranged from 0.862 ± 0.001 to 0.872 ± 0.001. The values of Brix varied from 14.69 ± 0.05° Bx to 15.80 ± 0.03° Bx. pH values varied from 5.13 ± 0.01 to 5.32. The total titratable acidity values ranged from 0.130 ± 0.008 to 0.196 ± 0.014 g of citric acid/100 g of FM (fresh matter). The ash content values ranged from 8.92 ± 0.10 to 11.04 ± 0.06 g/100 g of FM. Regarding the biochemical criteria, the total carotenoid content ranged from 2.29 ± 0.01 to 2.87 ± 0.01  μ g/g of FM. The total betalain content ranged from 6213.46 ± 58.86 to 8487.19 ± 51.71  μ g/100 g of FM. The total polyphenolic content varied from 160 ± 3.55 to 243.79 ± 5.55 mg GA E/100 g of FM. The ascorbic content ranged from 58.21 ± 0.24 to 74.72 ± 0.17 mg/100 g of FM., Conclusion: The findings of physicochemical and biochemical criteria of the investigated varieties growing in Moroccan drylands showed promising results in terms of studied parameters., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2019 Mohammed Bourhia et al.)